What can Organizations learn from changes in urban spaces.

Have you ever walked through a city and noticed how public spaces seem to evolve over time? What might start as a quiet park or a disorganized plaza can transform into vibrant hubs of community interaction. These changes don’t happen by accident—they are shaped by complex forces, much like change in business environments.

Large scale change happens in stages. It begins with a "niche" level where innovations emerge, often in small, protected environments. Gradually, these innovations disrupt the “regime”—the established systems and structures—and eventually scale up to transform society on a broader “landscape” level. In public spaces, this can be seen when a small community initiative, like a pop-up market, gradually gains traction, eventually influencing city policies and shaping the urban environment.

For change managers in business, understanding these stages can be crucial. Business environments, much like public spaces, often resist change at first. Innovations can start as niche projects or pilots, requiring nurturing and protection from the pressures of daily operations. Change managers should act as stewards of these innovations, ensuring they have the time and resources to develop before they can challenge the established business processes—the regime.

Another key lesson is the importance of timing. Public spaces transform when the right social, economic, or political conditions align. Similarly, in business, change managers must recognize when the landscape—market conditions, customer needs, or internal dynamics—is ready for disruption. It’s not enough to drive change from within; external forces must also be considered, allowing change to take root and grow.

In conclusion, change in public spaces—and in business—requires patience, timing, and an understanding of different levels of influence. For business change managers, the lesson is clear: start small, protect early-stage innovations, and recognize the right moment to scale change. Just as public spaces evolve, so too can organizations, with the right guidance and an eye on the broader landscape.